It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Jamie – James Desmond Smith, who passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 4, 2026. He was a fantastic father and trusted friend to his two children, James Desmond (Des) Smith (Jo-Anne Allard) and Wendy Catherine Smith (William Lumsdon).
Jamie had a close relationship with his brother, Stephen Cameron Smith (Smith), and his sister-in-law, Anne. Many long weekends in Muskoka were spent enjoying golf, great friends, and delicious meals at the homes that Jamie and Doreen created together.
He was predeceased in 2024 by his wife of twenty-four years, Doreen Morrison. He is lovingly remembered by Doreen’s family: Dane Morrison, Alissa Morrison (Jim Duthie), and Shelley Reville.
The son of Miriam Irene Blackburn and Major-General James Desmond Blaise “Des” Smith, Jamie grew up following his father’s military postings after the war. He lived in Ottawa, Kingston, and London, England. He often recalled hanging from the balcony of Canada House as he watched Queen Elizabeth pass by in her carriage on Coronation Day.
After attending boarding school at Trinity College School in Port Hope, Jamie returned to Rockcliffe Park in Ottawa to live with his parents. Following studies at Carleton University, he began working in truck fleet management for General Motors. His diverse roles within the industry led him to open Beacon Ford in Baie d’Urfe, Quebec in 1976 alongside his first wife Cathy until they left Quebec in 1982.
Jamie had a lifelong love for sailing. While living in Montreal, their family boat Wind Wagon was docked at the Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club. Jamie participated either as a racer or as part of other crews. An opportunity to crew on a Dragon took him to the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Dragon Trophy Series hosted at Britannia Yacht Club in Ottawa back in July 1967. HRH Prince Philip himself was there as a visiting sailor; luck had it that Jamie found himself among ten sailors invited for a post-race audience with the Prince.
In 1982 when he moved to Oakville with his family, Jamie took on several General Manager positions at automotive dealerships across the Greater Toronto Area while also being active with the Toronto Automobile Dealers Association. He retired from ADP Dealer Services at age 65 when he and Doreen made Muskoka their full-time home.
With an interest in antique and classic boats, Jamie served on the Board of the Antique and Classic Boat Society’s Toronto Chapter from 2003-2009 and held the position of President from 2006-2007. He also contributed on the ACBS International Board level. In recognition of his support for classic boating efforts, he was inducted into the ACBS Honour Roll in 2013.
Jamie played an essential role as lead fundraiser for Grace and Speed-the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre-which opened its doors in Gravenhurst back in 2006 as Canada’s largest collection of classic wooden boats displayed on water; this has since evolved into what we know today as Muskoka Discovery Centre-showcasing regional culture alongside boating history. Simultaneously during this time period he dedicated much effort toward restoring Miss Canada IV-an iconic piece representing Canada’s initial ventures into dominating speedboat racing globally.
He shared his business knowledge by serving on Muskoka Community Futures’ Board from 2010 until 2015 where he helped budding entrepreneurs launch their own businesses.
A founding member along with friend Murray Walker established Florida Vintage Raceboat Club based out Tavares Florida where they would spend many winters enjoying time together; particularly enjoyed were moments spent engaging over ‘Peanuts’ amongst fellow vintage boat enthusiasts.
Together with Murray Walker again founded Canadian Raceboat Hall Of Fame located Bracebridge Ontario which opened its doors officially come 2024-a project born out passion aiming preserve history around speedboat racing across country beginning small but growing into something far more substantial showcasing future developments within sport boat racing too!
On March 20th of 2025 recognizing contributions made towards community service & impact given received honor King Charles III Coronation Medal!
The family wishes express heartfelt gratitude toward Closing The Gap Home Care program teams consisting nurses & PSWs whose care visits throughout December provided invaluable support during treatment Endocarditis experienced these past months – especially grateful towards Mary Lou Roberts providing companionship throughout final year life
A celebration honoring Jamie’s life will take place later this spring for friends & family alike.
If you’d like remember honor him donations can be directed towards:
Canadian Raceboat Hall Of Fame www. canadianraceboats. com
Canadian Heart And Stroke Foundation www. heartandstroke. ca
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